Patents by Inventor Robert Bruce Charters
Robert Bruce Charters has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9128250Abstract: We present optical systems suitable for focusing two substantially collimated beams or sheets of light propagating in different directions onto a common focal point. In some embodiments the optical systems comprise separate focusing elements for each beam or sheet of light, while in other embodiments the optical systems comprise a focusing element and a redirection element. The optical systems have particular application in the receive optics of infrared touch screens, where they enable the detection of additional light paths that assist in the determination of two or more simultaneous touch events.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: ZETTA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LLC—RPO SERIESInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Warwick Todd Holloway, Duncan Ian Ross, Graham Roy Atkins
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Patent number: 8994037Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC-RPO SeriesInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8842366Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting, collimating and redirecting light from a point-like source to produce a collimated optical signal in a substantially planar form are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is manufactured as a unitary transmissive body comprising a collimation element and a redirection element, and optionally a transmissive element. In another embodiment, the apparatus is assembled from one or more components. The apparatus and method are useful for providing sensing light for an optical touch input device or for providing illumination for a display.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Kenneth Edmund Arnett, Robert Bruce Charters, Chan Hong Wang, Graham Roy Atkins, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Duncan Ian Ross
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Patent number: 8810549Abstract: In infrared touch input devices that detect and locate a touch object from the blocking of light paths propagating along the X,Y axes, an ambiguity arises when two touch objects are present. This ambiguity can be resolved by the provision of additional light paths angled to the X,Y axes. The present invention provides projection systems that include a light splitting element for splitting collimated sheet of light into two or more sets of beam paths, thereby providing the additional light paths for resolving the double touch ambiguity. In preferred embodiments the light splitting element is in the form of a prism film.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Warwick Holloway, Robert Bruce Charters, Duncan Ian Ross
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Patent number: 8674963Abstract: Waveguide structures and optical elements for use in an optical touch input device are disclosed. The disclosed waveguide structures and optical elements allow for reduced bezel width and simplified assembly of optical touch input devices, and relaxed component tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Graham Roy Atkins, Dax Kukulj, Graeme Gordon
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Patent number: 8529993Abstract: This invention relates to materials and processes for the preparation of high quality layers, for example for the fabrication of optical devices such as waveguides. In particular, the invention relates to the use of low volatility polymer materials for the deposition of high quality layers on large area substrates via a two-stage process, for example extrude-and-spin.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Zetta Research andDevelopment LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20130156376Abstract: We present optical systems suitable for focusing two substantially collimated beams or sheets of light propagating in different directions onto a common focal point. In some embodiments the optical systems comprise separate focusing elements for each beam or sheet of light, while in other embodiments the optical systems comprise a focusing element and a redirection element. The optical systems have particular application in the receive optics of infrared touch screens, where they enable the detection of additional light paths that assist in the determination of two or more simultaneous touch events.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Warwick Todd Holloway, Duncan Ian Ross, Graham Roy Atkins
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Publication number: 20130027352Abstract: In infrared touch input devices that detect and locate a touch object from the blocking of light paths propagating along the X,Y axes, an ambiguity arises when two touch objects are present. This ambiguity can be resolved by the provision of additional light paths angled to the X,Y axes. The present invention provides projection systems that include a light splitting element for splitting collimated sheet of light into two or more sets of beam paths, thereby providing the additional light paths for resolving the double touch ambiguity. In preferred embodiments the light splitting element is in the form of a prism film.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Warwick Holloway, Robert Bruce Charters, Duncan Ian Ross
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Publication number: 20120200536Abstract: The invention describes various optical waveguide layouts with reduced substrate area, with particular application to reducing bezel width in optical touch systems. In certain preferred embodiments the optical waveguide layouts include a plurality of waveguide crossings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Warwick Todd Holloway, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120098794Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting, collimating and redirecting light from a point-like source to produce a collimated optical signal in a substantially planar form are provided. In one embodiment the apparatus is manufactured as a unitary transmissive body comprising a collimation element and a redirection element, and optionally a transmissive element. In another embodiment the apparatus is assembled from one or more components. The apparatus and method are useful for providing sensing light for an optical touch input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Andrew Kleinert, Duncan Ian Ross, Jonathan Payne, Warwick Todd Holloway, Graham Roy Atkins, Robert Bruce Charters, Kenli Chong, Dax Kukulj, Brigg Maund, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Publication number: 20120033912Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8064744Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design for the transmit and receive optical elements of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, where at least one converging lens is incorporated within the body of each transmit and receive element. The optical elements of the improved design are more mechanically robust, easier to incorporate into the touch screen assembly, and are less susceptible to stray light and the ingress of foreign matter. In one embodiment the converging lens collimates the light into a plane wave. In another embodiment the converging lens focuses the light to an external point. In yet another embodiment, each transmit and receive element also includes at least one diverging lens. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Graham Roy Atkins, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8021900Abstract: Methods for the production of integrated optical waveguides which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 7811640Abstract: This invention describes methods for fabricating polymer optical waveguides, and polymer optical waveguides themselves wherein at least one of the optical layers is deposited by a two-stage deposition process. In particular, the two-stage deposition process comprises spinning as the second step. Preferably, the polymer optical waveguide comprises a three layer structure comprising a lower cladding layer, a light guiding core layer and an upper cladding layer, supported on a substrate. The invention has particular application to the volume production of polymer optical waveguides on large area substrates.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Graham Roy Atkins
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Patent number: 7546009Abstract: Planar lenses for integrated optics applications, in particular for use in optical touch screen sensors are disclosed. The disclosed planar lenses include a slab waveguide and an optical waveguide, preferably formed in unitary fashion, wherein the slab waveguide has a curved end face to focus light into or out of the optical waveguide, and wherein at least one additional lens is included within the slab waveguide. In one aspect of this disclosure, the additional lens is a diverging lens. In a second aspect the additional lens is a converging lens. The additional lens may match the acceptance angle of the optical waveguide to the curved end face of the slab waveguide. Alternatively, it may improve the tolerance of the planar lens to design or assembly errors and/or temperature variations. Preferably, the planar lenses are composed of a photo-patternable polymer, and the additional lenses are composed of air.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Dax Kukulj, Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Graham Roy Atkins, Barry Luther-Davies
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Publication number: 20080278460Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting, collimating and redirecting light from a point-like source to produce a collimated optical signal in a substantially planar form are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is manufactured as a unitary transmissive body comprising a collimation element and a redirection element, and optionally a transmissive element. In another embodiment, the apparatus is assembled from one or more components. The apparatus and method are useful for providing sensing light for an optical touch input device or for providing illumination for a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Kenneth Edmund Arnett, Robert Bruce Charters, Chan Hong Wang, Graham Roy Atkins, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Duncan Ian Ross
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Publication number: 20080111796Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design for the transmit and receive optical elements of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, where at least one converging lens is incorporated within the body of each transmit and receive element. The optical elements of the improved design are more mechanically robust, easier to incorporate into the touch screen assembly, and are less susceptible to stray light and the ingress of foreign matter. In one embodiment the converging lens collimates the light into a plane wave. In another embodiment the converging lens focuses the light to an external point. In yet another embodiment, each transmit and receive element also includes at least one diverging lens. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Graham Roy Atkins, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Publication number: 20080014367Abstract: This invention relates to materials and processes for the preparation of high quality layers, for example for the fabrication of optical devices such as waveguides. In particular, the invention relates to the use of low volatility polymer materials for the deposition of high quality layers on large area substrates via a two-stage process, for example extrude-and-spin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20070258691Abstract: This invention describes methods for fabricating polymer optical waveguides, and polymer optical waveguides themselves wherein at least one of the optical layers is deposited by a two-stage deposition process. In particular, the two-stage deposition process comprises spinning as the second step. Preferably, the polymer optical waveguide comprises a three layer structure comprising a lower cladding layer, a light guiding core layer and an upper cladding layer, supported on a substrate. The invention has particular application to the volume production of polymer optical waveguides on large area substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Graham Roy Atkins
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Publication number: 20030077456Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising a substrate, a buffer layer formed on a surface of the substrate, and a sol-gel based film deposited on the buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer provides an interface between the substrate and film and exhibits two distinct phases, a deformable phase at an elevated temperature sufficient to dry the film, and a stable, relatively non-deformable, phase at a lower temperature, and wherein, when in the deformable phase, the buffer layer accommodates differential movement over its thickness to an extent sufficient to prevent cracking of the film as it dries.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Graham Atkins, Barry Luther-Davies, Robert Bruce Charters, Anna Samoc, Marek Julian Samoc